Shikhar Dhawan has announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket with immediate effect. The left-hander took to social media to call time on his career spanning over 13 years for India, in which he played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs and 68 T20Is scoring 2315, 6793 and 1579 runs respectively in the three formats.
“It’s important to turn the page to move forward in a story, and in life. That’s why, I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket,” Dhawan said in his retirement video. “I’ve told myself to not feel sad that you won’t play for India again, but feel happy that you played for the country.”
The 38-year-old played his last game for India, an ODI against Bangladesh at Chattogram, in December 2022 while his last T20I was in Sri Lanka in July 2021. Dhawan had not played a Test for India since 2018. His last competitive appearance was for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2024 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in April following which an injury ended his season prematurely.
Dhawan thanked his family, his fans for showing him love, his childhood coaches along with the various Indian and IPL teams he has played with during his career.
Dhawan shot to fame in the 2004 U-19 World Cup scoring three centuries as he amassed 505 runs. Along with Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, he was part of a strong Delhi batting order. He became known for his strong offside game with his elegant cover drives and cuts. He finally made his debut for India in the ODI format in 2010 against Australia but was dismissed for a duck.
However, three years later in March 2013, he was given his Test debut against Australia at Mohali but unlike the ODI debut this was a memorable one. He smashed the fastest Test century on debut, in only 85 deliveries. He kicked on from there in 2013, forging a strong opening partnership with Rohit Sharma playing an instrumental role as India went on to lift the Champions Trophy in England, scoring 363 runs and two hundreds in the process.
Dhawan’s 137 against South Africa at the MCG in the 2015 Cricket World Cup was one of his most memorable knocks as he took on the likes of Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell and Vernon Philander to the cleaners, and came to be known as the man for the ICC events. Dhawan started the ICC 2019 World Cup in similar fashion, with a hundred against Australia, but a hairline fracture on his thumb ruled him out of the rest of the tournament.
In his 222-game IPL career, Dhawan scored 6,769 runs and is a one-time championship winner with the Sunrisers Hyderabad, in 2016, forming a pivotal partnership with David Warner. The turn of the decade saw international appearances come few and far between, though.
Shikhar Dhawan: Career Overview
Debut and Early Career: Dhawan made his international debut against Australia in Visakhapatnam in 2010. His career was marked by a stunning debut in Test cricket, where he scored 187, setting the tone for his aggressive batting style.
International Records:
ODIs: Dhawan scored 6,793 runs in 167 matches, with 17 centuries, showcasing his dominance in the50-over format.
Tests: He amassed 2,315 runs in 34 matches, with 7 centuries, including a memorable 190 againstAustralia.
T20Is: Dhawan contributed 1,759 runs in 68 matches, known for his rapid scoring rate.
IPL Achievements: In the IPL, Dhawan played for multiple teams, amassing 6,768 runs, making him one of the tournament’s highest run-scorers. His back-to-back centuries in the IPL are a testament to his form and flair.
Notable Achievements:
Fastest to Milestones: Shikhar Dhawan was the fastest Indian to reach 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 runs in ODIs, highlighting his consistency and rapid scoring ability.
ICC Events: He was pivotal in India’s ICC Champions Trophy victory in 2013, earning the Player of the Tournament award. His performances in the 2015 World Cup and other ICC events were crucial for India.
Innings Milestones: Dhawan’s century on debut in Tests and his 100 in his 100th ODI match are among the many milestones that define his career.
Fielding: Known for his agility, Shikhar Dhawan took numerous catches, including a record for the most catches in an ODI innings.
Retirement Announcement:
Dhawan’s retirement was announced via a heartfelt video message shared across his social media platforms. He expressed gratitude towards the BCCI, DDCA, and his fans, acknowledging their support throughout his career. His decision comes after a challenging IPL 2024 season where an injury limited his participation, leading him to reflect on his career’s trajectory.
Fan and Cricket Community Reactions:
The announcement has led to an outpouring of love and respect from fans and fellow cricketers alike. Social media platforms, including X, were flooded with posts celebrating his achievements, with many highlighting his elegance, consistency, and the joy he brought to the game.
Legacy:
Shikhar Dhawan leaves behind a legacy not just of runs and records but of a fighting spirit and an unwavering commitment to the game. His ability to perform under pressure, especially in big tournaments, will be remembered as one of his greatest contributions to Indian cricket.
As the cricketing world bids farewell to Shikhar Dhawan, his retirement marks the end of an era, leaving fans with memories of a batsman who played with flair, courage, and an undeniable passion for the game.